Impact of a long-term complex rehabilitation on chronic fatigue and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a long-term rehabilitation on chronic fatigue and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred seventy patients with class III-IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure were examined. The study population was divided into two groups: long-term rehabilitation group and control group. They underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test and completed questionnaires on chronic fatigue (MFI-20L, DUFS, and DEFS). Measurements were repeated 3 and 6 months after long-term complex rehabilitation. RESULTS: According to the data of MFI-20L, DUFS, and DEFS questionnaires, 170 patients (100%) with class III-IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure complained of fatigue. Overall daily fatigue was 56.8+/-28.5 points on a 100-point scale, and after 6-month rehabilitation, this parameter was statistically significantly reduced on all scales (P<0.05). Physical fatigue and self-care improved in controls. Cardiopulmonary exercise test showed that parameters of hyperventilation, ventilatory equivalents, and pCO2 were significantly improved in rehabilitation group after 6 months as compared to baseline data (P<0.05), but not in the control group. CONCLUSION: Patients with class III-IV (NYHA) chronic heart failure experience chronic fatigue, which reduces their motivation and self-care abilities. Long-term complex rehabilitation programs improve all parameters of chronic fatigue, respiratory efficiency, and prognostic indicator of chronic heart failure--ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide.